TNAG-0538-FCO40-633-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 56

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level of resources; or proposed a different balance of

capabilities which they would prefer us to achieve within the

same constraints.

4. They have asked us to consider measures to compensate for

the effect of our reductions on NATO's capability, particularly

in the ACLANT/ACCHAN area and on the Northern and Southern Flanks

of NATO. The Government is prepared to do so on the clear

understanding that all of Britain's defence commitments and

capabilities must be met from within the total of resources which

the Government firmly decided last December it could in future

allocate to defence.

5. On this basis the Government is ready to make the following

changes in the details of its original proposals, to help meet the

main points of NATO concern:-

6.

(a) to convert HERMES to the anti-submarine role in 1976,

instead of 1978;

(b) to earmark the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ENGADINE for

assignment to CINCCHAN, carrying helicopters in the

anti-submarine role;

(c)

(a)

(e)

to earmark a larger number of aircraft to SACLANT for

reconnaissance;

to participate occasionally in NATO exercises in the

Mediterranean and in the NATO Naval On-Call Force there;

to continue reinforcement options for the Special

Air Service Regiment in the Southern Region of NATO.

The Government is prepared on the same understanding to study

nationally and within the Alliance other measures aimed at mitigating

the effects of our reductions.

In many cases our ability to

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